Luke 12:40
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 12:40
40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Chapter Context
Luke 12 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of hope, salvation, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-59: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 12:40
40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
Analysis
Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not (καὶ ὑμεῖς γίνεσθε ἕτοιμοι, ὅτι ᾗ ὥρᾳ οὐ δοκεῖτε ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἔρχεται, kai hymeis ginesthe hetoimoi, hoti hē hōra ou dokeite ho huios tou anthrōpou erchetai)—The inferential conjunction oun (therefore, in some manuscripts) draws the conclusion from the previous illustrations. The imperative ginesthe (γίνεσθε, be, become) is present tense, commanding continuous state of readiness. The adjective hetoimoi (ἕτοιμοι, ready, prepared) appears frequently in eschatological contexts (Matthew 24:44, 25:10).
The causal clause explains why readiness is essential: the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. The title "Son of man" (ho huios tou anthrōpou, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου) combines Daniel 7:13-14's messianic figure with Jesus' self-designation, emphasizing His authoritative return in glory. The present tense erchetai (ἔρχεται, is coming) expresses certainty—not "if" or "might" but "is coming." The phrase hē hōra ou dokeite (ᾗ ὥρᾳ οὐ δοκεῖτε, the hour you think not) indicates the return will contradict human expectation and calculation. Speculative date-setting or presuming delay both lead to unpreparedness.
Historical Context
This summary statement concludes the watchfulness parables and transitions to Peter's question about audience (verse 41). The early church lived in constant expectation of Christ's imminent return (Romans 13:11, James 5:8-9, 1 Peter 4:7). However, as time passed, some began mocking the promise (2 Peter 3:3-4), while others set dates and created speculation. Jesus' teaching cuts against both extremes: maintain constant readiness because the timing is genuinely unknown and may surprise even the faithful. The Son of Man title recalls Daniel 7's vision of one "like the Son of man" receiving eternal dominion—Jesus will return in glory and judgment.
Reflection
- What does perpetual readiness look like practically in daily Christian living, work, and relationships?
- How does the certainty of Christ's return combined with uncertainty about timing shape Christian priorities and values?
- What attitudes or behaviors indicate that someone is unprepared for Christ's unexpected return?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 24:42, 24:44, 25:13, Romans 13:11, 13:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:6